2 March 2026

Minsk Region Follows the Example of "Nestanovichi-Agro": How to Reduce Calf Mortality and Replicate Best Practices

The Minsk Region has identified technologies that will help preserve young cattle. One effective method is the construction of modern calf-care facilities. The President visited a model facility at the dairy complex of Nesterovichi-Agro JSC. Details were reported by BELTA.

Practice has shown that it works

Chairman of the Minsk Regional Executive Committee Alexei Kushnarenko noted that the calf-care facility was built two years ago and has been operating successfully.

“It is operating successfully. Since the beginning of this year, there have been virtually no losses here. Literally two calves over two months, and even those were due to objective reasons related to the health condition of these animals,” he said.

Large-scale implementation programme

According to Kushnarenko, it was decided to replicate the experience of Nesterovichi-Agro.

“It is quick to build, inexpensive, and uses, among other things, wood, which we have in sufficient supply. Therefore, a decision was made to build 111 such calf-care facilities in the Minsk Region this year in order to move 20,000 calves there,” said Alexei Kushnarenko. “We have worked out step by step the deadlines and who must do what to complete this task. As early as next week, we plan to gather all district executive committee chairpersons here so that they can see firsthand how it works,” he said.

Discipline and technology are key to success

To minimise the human factor, the calf-care facility has introduced a video-monitoring system and modern equipment.

“Discipline must be at the heart of everything. It is not only about the animals’ comfort, but also about working conditions for people,” Alexei Kushnarenko stressed.

The President approves, with reservations

Alexander Lukashenko noted that the project is highly technological:

“A good calf-care facility. A month is all it takes (referring to the construction speed. — Ed.). You order these structures. You come in — assemble them, pour the concrete. There is nothing complicated about it. Supervising organisations can also provide assistance. It is very technological; there is no need to invent anything, — said the President. — It is a good calf-care facility for calves. It should be replicated.”

At the same time, the head of state clarified that it would not be possible to implement such an “expensive” option everywhere.